Bryan Pfeiffer is probably the best known name in birding around this part of Vermont. He is also a naturalist and lepidopterologist of some note.

Most of all for birders, he's an enthusiastic, engaging speaker and teacher. There may not be anything he loves more than birding but if there is, it would be talking about birding. He's a treasure trove of fascinating information and he loves to share it.

A few years ago, he was often on WDEV, the local radio station, speaking about birds in the area and taking calls from listeners. Often those callers wanted to know what kind of unusual bird they were hearing. They would give the most awful imitation of what they were hearing and quick as lightning, Bryan would be playing a recording of the actual bird and telling the radio audience some interesting facts about it. How he could interpret what these callers were trying to sound like is beyond me but it must have come from years of hearing people try to describe (terribly and inaccurately) what they had heard.

Bryan is exactly the kind of person you would want to go birding with. You will have several opportunities to do so coming up soon.

If you are a beginner, Bryan's Spring Birdwatching for Beginners will be held May 1 and 2. He will be discussing all the basics from boots and binoculars to bird songs.

On May 16, he will be hosting the Bird Bonanza at Berlin Pond, a bird sanctuary near Montpelier VT. May is the peak of spring bird migration and Brian has seen more than 150 species of birds there over the last 25 years. You might even see a Bald Eagle or Moose on this outing.

Later in May, Bryan will be leading the Warbler Weekends at Highland Lodge overlooking beautiful Caspian Lake. These outings will be held May 22-24, and May 29-31.

July 5 is the date for a different type of watching. Bryan's Butterflies for Beginners has introduced hundreds of people to the wonders of the butterfly world through this course. You will be on the hunt for the Great Spangled Fritillary, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, and many more.

If you're a cheese lover, perhaps you should look into making it yourself. You may have wondered if it's easy to do. Here's your opportunity to find out.

River Arts in Morrisville VT is holding two days of cheese making classes this coming Friday and Saturday.

You will have the rate opportunity to learn how to make Mozzarella, Cheddar and Ricotta. The cost is just $35 for one day or $55 for two days. You can sign up on the River Arts website or call them at (802) 888-1261.

"River Arts is a nonprofit organization that brings the energy, creativity and experience of the arts to all ages. We serve the Lamoille Valley of Vermont from Hardwick to Cambridge, from Eden to Stowe."

Celebrity judges will score the meals prepared by teams of students from middle school and high school.

For spectators, the event offers activities for the people of all ages including cooking demos, food vendors, a farmers' market, and prize raffle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is $3 for adults or $5 per family.

There are more than 16,000 tickets available but each year a number of the films sell out so advanced tickets are recommended. The Film Festival's web site ticket page has information about ordering by phone or mail.

You can also get tickets at the Montpelier ticket office. Hours and location are on the web ticket page page above.